In television and movies, actors are often the center of attention, but the filmmakers who work behind the scenes are the ones responsible for creating and composing stories. Producers make financial decisions, hire the director, crew and may assist with hiring cast members. Directors make creative decisions necessary to bring a film to life, such as choosing cast members, overseeing filming and working with film editors. A single person can act as both the producer and director of a film.

Average and Median Income

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics groups producers and directors in in its income data. According to the Bureau, directors and producers in the motion picture and video industries earned an average annual income of $115,920 in May 2011. Producers and directors involved in TV and radio broadcasting earned $69,540 on average. The median income of all producers and directors was $70,660, which means half of workers made less than $70,660 and half made more.

Income Range

Income can vary significantly from one professional to another due to differences in experience, reputation and the size of the projects they are involved with. A big Hollywood director could make millions on a single project, while a minor filmmaker that producers online videos make a modest income. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that the top 25 percent of producers and directors made over $116,020 in May 2011 and that the top 10 percent earned over $187,199. On the other hand, the bottom 25 percent earned under $45,400.

Top States

Income in any occupation can vary depending on location, since job opportunities may be scare in some areas and plentiful in others. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that California was the top employer for directors and producers in May 2010, and that workers in the state made $128,790 on average. Workers in New York earned $112,000 on average, while workers in Hawaii made $91,540 on average.

Top Cities

Jobs in the film and TV industries tend to cluster in certain metropolitan areas and those areas offer more job opportunities and better pay than others. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that 18,850 directors and producers were employed in the Los Angles metro area in May 2011 and that they earned $139,770 on average. About 13,220 directors and producers were employed in the New York City metro area and they earned $116,060 on average.

About the Author

Gregory Hamel has been a writer since September 2008 and has also authored three novels. He has a Bachelor of Arts in economics from St. Olaf College. Hamel maintains a blog focused on massive open online courses and computer programming.